In 1888, the Kinston Salvation Army started as a beginner outpost in New Bern. It became a full-fledged corps a month later — and it still stands today.

The Kinston Salvation Army is celebrating its 125th year by turning its annual dinner into an anniversary celebration. Tonight’s meal will be addressed by the area’s division commander, Maj. Willis Howell of Charlotte, and attendees will be entertained by the afterschool program youth’s cheerleading, song and dance.

Corps Officers Maj. Robin Starr and Maj. Pamela Starr, who are married, are expecting more than 100 people, but are preparing for up to 185.

“This is 125 years of service to the people in this community and the surrounding areas,” Pamela Starr said. “We’re into two centuries now. It’s just the beginning of what we can do, (and) we’re not going to stop just because we’ve gotten to 125 years, by any means.”

In the past year, Salvation Army has assisted nearly 18,000 people — including social services and holiday needs. It gave more than 64,000 meals, 1,300 food baskets, 1,700 clothing items and paid more than 1,800 utility, rent and light bills.

More than 3,400 people volunteered at Kinston Salvation Army its past fiscal year.

“(I volunteer to help kids and to help the community,” said 17-year-old Nick Blake, who works with the afterschool program. “When I work at Salvation Army, I look at different people (who are) going through things, who don’t feel too well or who are having problems at school. I’m here to help them with that problem. The Salvation Army is good, there is nothing bad about it.”

While the social service aid is a major aspect of the Salvation Army, the Starrs never overlook the religious side of the organization.

“The deeper purpose (of Salvation Army) is the spiritual part,” Robin Starr said. “The Salvation Army started as a church. The church is the main aspect. … The reason we help people is because of the Lord.”

Pamela Starr said being a Salvation Army officer is a calling from God and a way to preach to people.

“We can preach the Gospel, but if (people) don’t have adequate food and a comfortable place to listen to that gospel, it won’t stick,” she said. “We have to take care of their needs and then preach the gospel to them.”

She has been an officer for 20 years, while Robin Starr has 21 years as an officer. They have headed Kinston’s Salvation Army together for nearly four years.

They predict the organization will last another 125 years in the area.

“My plan before I pray the benediction is to say, ‘We’ve only just begun,’” Robin Starr said.

The Salvation Army currently sits at 2110 North Queen Street, which was built in 1971. The former location —near Southeast Elementary School— is now a daycare. Pictures of that brick building will be displayed at tonight’s celebration dinner.

“The reason we help people is because we love the Lord,” Robin Starr said.

The Starrs and their three children work together to serve the Lenoir, Greene and Duplin County communities.

“I just enjoy being here and helping others,” Jackie Starr, 18, said.

Her mom said it’s their job.

“This is a family thing,” Pamela Starr said. “Our children know that they, too, are part of this community, have to improve this community and have to serve this community through the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s our mission as a family.”

Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.